Rangers defender Borna Barisic is reportedly keen on staying despite interest from former manager Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa.
According to the Daily Star via the Daily Record, the Croatian international is eager to extend his stay at Ibrox even with interest from the Premier League.
The report states that Barisic has been impressed with Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s first few weeks in charge at Rangers, and that the 29-year-old wants to stay in Scotland.
Barisic has featured in Van Bronckhorst’s first four matches with the Gers since arriving. And with the defender having a contract at the club until 2024, the fullback seems keen to play out his prime years with Rangers even with Gerrard keen to bring him to England.
As reported by the print edition of the Daily Mirror last month (21/11, p72), Villa will bid £8m for Barisic. However, it appears that even with this decently sized offer, the Croat is willing to stay in Scotland.
The defender has underperformed this season, with supporters criticising the fullback for some of his displays for Rangers. However, Barisic remains a key part of the Rangers squad. And under Van Bronckhorst, the 29-year-old seems motivated to regain his form.
Indeed, it speaks to the character of Barisic that he will shun a dream move to the Premier League with a former manager to be a part of the new project at Rangers under Van Bronckhorst, who could lead the club to another SPL title.
£8m Villa offer for Barisic could be too good for Rangers to reject
Whilst Barisic intends to stay in Scotland, Rangers could well be tempted to sell the 29-year-old defender if Villa does submit an £8m offer for the Croatian international.
After all, a fee of this value is quite something for a defender turning 30 next year. And with Calvin Bassey emerging as a promising talent in the left-back position, Van Bronckhorst has a young readymade replacement waiting in the wings should the club decide to sell Barisic to Villa.
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